Even us dogs...

And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. (Matthew 15:21-28 ESV) At first glance, Jesus appears ruder than rude to this woman. But culturally, he was not bound to treat her and differently. She was a woman, a gentile, and in association with demonic forces. But He is teaching the disciples something profound about what it means to be clean before God. It comes when we respond in faith, humbly admit our need, and call out to Him. He does love each one - even us Gentile dogs...